Fly of the Week: The Zirdle

The Zirdle, sounding like a dance that came from the flapper era, originated in Montana’s Gallatin Valley country outside Bozeman. This fly is a cross between a Zonker and a Pat’s Rubberlegs and can be fished under an indicator, stripped as a streamer, fished with a slow retrieve, or swung on a trout spey. The Girdle was created for anglers to have a hybrid pattern that could excel in numerous situations. From smallmouth to trout, fish aren’t shy when a Zirdle crosses its bow.

During my short lived guiding career, I had a day on the Missouri River in August when the clients fished the Zirdle all day. I first tied on the Zirdle with a Zebra Midge as the dropper, all under an indicator. We learned quickly that the Zebra Midge was not the target for the trout that day. The fishing was banner and they all crushed the Zirdle. It was one of those days that makes you feel high on top of a mountain, especially as a first-year guide.

From my own experience, this fly has worked best when the crayfish are happy and playing around in streams. In addition the girdle can work great when stoneflies are crawling around. So, if you’re in water where the crayfish and stoneflies play, add a Girdle to your repertoire and see the results for yourself.